Kids' first aid kit

Work through the list in order. Hide the notes when you know what to do.

1. Children's fever reducer — two different active ingredients

   Syrup and suppositories with different active ingredients: suppositories save the day with vomiting or syrup refusal. Which ones and what doses — ask your pediatrician.

2. Digital thermometer

   Fast and unbreakable. Keep a spare battery nearby — it always dies on a fever night.

3. Saline drops or spray + nasal aspirator

   First response to a stuffy nose at any age. For kids too young to blow their nose, the aspirator is essential.

4. Pediatric oral rehydration salts

   The top priority with vomiting and diarrhea is preventing dehydration. Pediatric formulas taste milder and go down easier.

5. Sorbent for stomach upsets

   For food poisoning — as agreed with your doctor. Ask your pediatrician which form suits your child.

6. Age-appropriate antihistamine

   For allergic reactions — food, bites, pollen. Discuss the specific medicine and dose with your pediatrician in advance.

7. Alcohol-free antiseptic

   No sting means the child lets you clean the scrape without a fight.

8. Cartoon plasters

   They beat any persuasion: the scrape is 'healed' the moment the plaster goes on. Get assorted sizes.

9. Gauze bandage, sterile pads, elastic wrap

   Basic dressing supplies for bike falls and other adventures.

10. Gel for bruises and insect bites

    A children's cooling gel for bruises and itchy bites. Confirm it fits your child's age with the doctor.

11. Dosing syringe or measuring spoon

    Accurate dosing plus a way to get medicine into a resisting toddler. A kitchen spoon is not a measure.

12. Doctor's dosing sheet — taped inside the kit

    Ask your pediatrician to write out weight-based doses and update after each weigh-in. Nobody can do math during a 3am fever — the sheet solves it.

13. Write down numbers: pediatrician, urgent care, poison control

    On the same sheet and in your phone. The time to find the poison control number is before you need it.

14. Your child's regular medicines — with a reserve

    If your child takes anything regularly, keep a reserve and watch the expiry date.

15. Store it out of the child's reach

    Top shelf or a locked box. Bright syrups look like lemonade to a child — a common cause of poisoning.

16. Set a reminder: audit the kit every six months

    Toss expired items, restock what ran out, update doses for the new weight.

17. Burn relief

    Panthenol spray for minor burns — after cooling with water first. Check with the doctor what suits your child.